Scott Threlkeld/The Times-PicayuneCoach Bob Toledo says the offensive line is partly responsible for quarterback Joe Kemp's struggles as a first-time starter.Tulane Coach Bob Toledo addressed questions about starting quarterback Joe Kemp's job security as Ryan Griffin pushes for playing time. Barring a disastrous showing today, there is no quarterback controversy. Kemp showed progress against BYU, despite the 54-3 score. He was foiled at times by a shaky offensive line and had to make quicker throws than planned. "Joe has obviously made some mistakes, and we knew that coming in that being a first-year starter he'd probably make some mistakes. And he's made several in the first game (vs. Tulsa), " Toledo said. "He made one big one (two weeks ago vs. BYU) when he threw the interception just before half. But he actually improved. His game management, the clock -- those things improved -- completed passes. . . . Basically what we told Kemp is 'Hey, you're the quarterback . . . now you need to start winning some football games.' The sign of a successful quarterback is to get you across the white stripe and score points and win. And we haven't been scoring points, and we haven't been winning. So it's not all on him, obviously. But he needs to start performing better, and he knows that. And if he doesn't, then Ryan Griffin will be given a chance."

In the trenches

The play of both Tulane lines will be crucial. The offensive line is under the microscope after being called out the past two weeks. Two freshmen guards will start today. The running game has gained only 76 yards in two games. If André Anderson is able to get about 100 yards on the ground, it will take pressure off of Kemp and the passing game.

Overcome injuries

Fullback Kasey Stelly and tight end Cody Sparks won't play, according to Toledo. Stelly injured his shoulder on a kickoff against BYU and hasn't practiced this week. Sparks still hasn't recovered from a broken kneecap in training camp. Backup linebacker Cody Ledford tore an MCL against BYU and will not play. Ledford could be back by the end of the season. . . . Running back J.T. McDonald has an injured hamstring and is out. Defensive linemen Reggie Scott (suspension) and Oscar Ponce de Leon (hamstring injury) and free safety Corey Sonnier (suspension) all return.

Picks

Troy Kropog, Former offensive lineman for Tulane from 2004-08, now with the Tennessee Titans: Tulane, 28-14

"I think that Coach Toledo has lit a fire under the team, and they will take the field this week with something to prove, however it won't be an easy victory. The Cowboys are a winning team with a lot of pride and having the opportunity to play an in-state Division I school will bring out their best effort."

Kerry Joseph, Former record-setting quarterback at McNeese State from 1992-95, now in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts: McNeese State, 35-20

"I feel that McNeese has a very explosive offense and a defense that will control Tulane's offense that has been known to put up points in the past. Cowboys all the way!"